Artists Cascades
Home | Conondale National Park, QLD
Aussie Bucket List®
Aussie Bucket List®
Overview
Highlights
Walking trail: Grade 4 | 10.6km return hike | allow 4 hours
DANGER: Sheer cliffs and waterfalls. One slip could be fatal—serious injury or death may result from walking near the edge. Keep to the track. Supervise children closely.
Artists Cascades located in Conandale National Park in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a must see Aussie Bucket List hiking trail for the keen adventurer. The waterfall colour really is this blue! It's absolutely beautiful, and the water is very cool, making it a great place to swim on a hot day. Walk through dense subtropical rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest along the Booloumba Creek Gorge to Artists Cascades. There are creek crossings and rock hopping so be prepared to get a little wet.
A short side track leads to an impressive 3.7m high Strangler Cairn© sculpture by Andy Goldsworthy, an internationally renowned artist. It is made from many hand-cut granite and metamorphic blocks and includes a rainforest strangler fig sapling that is growing from the top of it. The artist’s intention being that over time the fig’s roots will grow to eventually cover and ‘strangle’ the cairn. Goldsworthy is internationally known for creating ephemeral works in natural environments around the world. Please do not climb on, damage or remove any part of the sculpture.
Activities
- Hiking
- Walking
- Photography
- Swimming
Facilities
- Walking trail - grade 4 - 10.6km return hike | 4 hour
- Picnic area
- Carpark
- Camping area at the trail head
Important Information
Guidelines
- Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the parks website for up to date information on the current conditions. Ensure to check for any updates relating to any warnings that may be issued for the area, and check for the opening and closing times.
- Always enjoy waterfalls from trails and marked viewing points. Do not climb over barriers as cliff edges and slippery surfaces may cause injury or death.
- Only swim where permitted. Don’t jump from cliff edges into water bodies.
- Swimming near or under waterfalls can be dangerous due to strong currents, submerged hidden rock ledges and other dangers. The force of a waterfall can be incredibly strong and unfortunately, many people have drowned. Follow warning signs and take caution.
- Wear suitable footwear and ensure to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the elements.
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food and water for your journey.
- Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
- Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
- Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans and report back into them once you have finished exploring for the day.
- Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but memories.
Photo credit: Samantha Raine @ Aussie Bucket List®
Content credits: ©The State of Queensland (Department of Environment, Science and Innovation)
Reviews
Samanthaat 01 Jul 24
Such a hidden gem!!
An unexpected surprise, we will be back for a swim in warmer months! So stunning.
Location & Supplier
QLD Parks and Wildlife Service
Address: Artists Cascades, Conondale National Park, Booloumba Creek Road, Cambroon, Queensland 4552
